Sky News and Courier-Mail to host live Morrison v Shorten debate

Sky News and The Courier-Mail will host a People’s Forum on Friday May 3 in Brisbane – the first time the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader will come together to face voters’ questions in a live television broadcast during the election campaign.

Mr Morrison and Mr Shorten will take LIVE questions from 100 undecided voters as chosen by YouGov Galaxy.

Sky News Political Editor David Speers will moderate the one-hour forum LIVE from 6:30pm AEST.

David Speers said: “If you’ve found the campaign boring so far, tune into this forum. The leaders can’t hide or dodge. They’ll have to convince a room of undecided voters why they deserve to be Prime Minister. These forums have been pivotal in recent election campaigns and give everyone a fascinating look at who’s really up to the job.”

Sam Weir, Editor, The Courier-Mail said: “Queensland is the key battleground of this election and, with so many marginal seats at stake, who holds power from May 18 will be decided by voters in the Sunshine State.

“As Queensland’s most influential media brand, The Courier-Mail is delighted to partner with Sky News to host the People’s Forum in Brisbane on May 3. It’s an essential opportunity for voters from all around Queensland to put our political leaders to the test on the issues that really matter to their lives.”

Paul Whittaker, Sky News Chief Executive said: “It’s appropriate that the most highly anticipated debate of this campaign is being held in Brisbane where the Coalition is under intense pressure to hold 21 of the 30 federal parliamentary seats up for grabs at next month’s election. Queensland’s knife-edge marginal seats will play a pivotal role in the election outcome with preferences from minority parties likely to prove crucial in deciding the final results.

‘’The Sky News/The Courier-Mail People’s Forum will provide undecided voters with a unique opportunity to question the leaders on their policies and vision for the country just two weeks out from Australians going to the polls. Candid, direct and LIVE our People’s Forum debate will test the political mettle and authenticity of both leaders who will be asked to address the concerns of the people.’’

Join Sky News for coverage from 4:00pm AEST for SPEERS as David Speers anchors his award-winning political program LIVE from the venue followed by pre-forum analysis at 5:30pm AEST also featuring The Courier-Mail’s Federal Political Reporter Renee Viellaris.

Mr Morrison and Mr Shorten will then face the undecided voters for questioning from 6:30pm AEST.

Join Paul Murray at 7:30pm AEST for post-forum analysis as he examines the responses to the issues and concerns raised by the people of Brisbane LIVE from the venue.

On Saturday May 18 as Australians head to the polls, Sky News will deliver the most comprehensive coverage and analysis of the 2019 Federal Election LIVE.